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Proclamation to Establish August as Gastroparesis Awareness Month

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) estimates that more than 5 million people are afflicted with gastroparesis, a sometimes debilitating chronic illness; yet, there is little awareness, no known cure, and few effective treatment options.

Whereas, gastroparesis is a chronic illness which, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), affects more than 5 million Americans; and



Whereas, gastroparesis, or "paralysis of the stomach," is a digestive/motility disorder which causes those afflicted to experience debilitating pain, nausea, vomiting, early satiety, and can lead to serious complications such as malnourishment, dehydration, extreme weight loss or gain, and overwhelming fatigue; and



Whereas, most of those diagnosed with gastroparesis are labeled idiopathic, and despite extensive testing, cannot be certain of the cause of this disorder, and therefore face treatments which address only the symptoms and not the cause of their disease; and



Whereas, despite the significant impact on the lives of those living with gastroparesis, there is little public awareness, no known cure, and few effective treatment options or medications; and



Whereas, we seek more research, additional treatment options and effective medications, better support, normalcy in our daily lives, and hope for our future; and



Whereas, we seek to educate the medical community and the general public regarding the devastating effects of this disorder and promote awareness of our condition for the good of the public health;



Now, therefore, we, the people directly affected by this disease and those who support us, ask that you officially proclaim August as Gastroparesis Awareness Month in the United States.